30-year-old Turkish radio station shuts down after license cancellation

Acik Radyo (Open Radio), one the longest-running independent Turkish radio stations, was shut down on Oct. 11, after the Turkish Radio and Television Supreme Council (RTUK) revoked its broadcasting license.

Why did RTUK decide to revoke Turkish radio show’s license?

RTUK’s decision to cancel Acik Radyo’s license followed a controversial broadcast on April 24, where a guest on the station’s news program, Acik Gazete (Open Newspaper) used the term “Armenian genocide.”

• The council issued a fine of $5.5K and suspended the program for five days, accusing the station of inciting public hostility.
• Although Acik Radyo paid the fine and appealed the suspension, the Ankara 21st Administrative Court later rejected the appeal, allowing RTUK to revoke the license on July 3.
• During a statement issued on Oct. 11, Acik Radyo acknowledged receiving official notice of the license cancellation and vowed to continue its legal challenge.

The Turkish radio station argued that the ruling was an attempt to silence independent media, calling it “an effort to stifle public voices.”

Acik Radyo’s final broadcast after license cancellation, public reactions

During the station’s final broadcast, Omer Madra, the founder of Acik Radyo, addressed listeners, saying, “This is not the end of Acik Radyo; we will pursue all legal avenues to return to the air.”

The station’s last song, Beach Boys’ “Good Vibrations,” served as a symbolic farewell to the community of loyal listeners who have supported the station for decades.

Acik Radyo’s shutdown sparked a wave of public solidarity on social media, with several hashtags gaining traction.

In a press statement outside Acik Radyo’s office, Madra emphasized that the station would continue its legal battle and seek alternative ways to resume broadcasting. “We have no plans to stop here. We will apply for other licenses to continue serving the public interest,” he said.